Commas & Semicolon Presenters Suzie, Vernell, and Ermejash

What are Commas? Commas(,) are punctuation marks that separate words and word groups to help readers understand a sentence more easily.

Rule #1: Use a comma to separate a list, ( three or more words or clauses. ) Examples: We went to a movie, ate dinner, and then went to a party. I bought a chocolate cake, strawberry pie, and some ice cream for the party.

Rule #2: Use a comma to separate a quote from the rest of sentence. Examples: Michele grabbed her keys and said, “I won’t be back.” “Don’t hit your sister,” my mother warned.

Rule #3: Use a comma when writing dates and addresses. Examples: My address is 1234 Fake Lane Drive, Chula Vista, CA We are going to Ireland on May 25, 2012.

Rule #4: Use a comma after introductory phrases. Examples: Despite the fact that we haven’t spoken in weeks, I still sent Heather a gift for her birthday. After washing my hands, I cut the cake.

Rule #5: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses. A coordinating conjunction include for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Remember independent clauses are two complete sentences. Examples: The weather was rainy, and it was very cold. The girls overslept, so they did not go to school.

Rule #6: Use a comma after a subordinate/dependent clause when it begins a sentence. Subordinate/dependent clauses begin with words like if, because, after, when, as, while, since, even though, although, before, and whenever. Examples: While I ate my sandwich, my brother played. (dependent clause is at the start of the sentence, so a comma is needed) My brother played while I ate my sandwich. (dependent clause is second, so no comma is needed)

Rule #7: Use a comma to set off an adjective clause if it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Adjective clauses usually start with words like that, which or who. Examples: My uncle, who lives in Santa Barbara, loves to surf. The college, which is in El Cajon, is very nice.

Rule #8 Use a common when using conjunctive adverbs. Conjunctive adverbs are words like however, on the other hand, although, nevertheless, consequently, therefore, especially, moreover, and for example. Examples: The Chargers looked like they were going to make it to the super bowl, however, I decided to root for the Cowboys. I decided to ask for a raise and, consequently, I was fired.

Rule #9: Use a comma to break up the flow of a sentence. Examples: Michelle, clean up your room! The entire congregation, known for their generous giving, donated money to build a new parking lot.

Rule #10: Use a comma to set off an appositive word or phrase that is used to describe or identify another noun. Example: That was the best day of my life, the day when my daughter was born. (“day” is repeated and is described further after the comma).

Comma Misuse Do not use a comma like a period. Example Don’t use a comma to separate two independent clauses (unless there is a coordinating conjunction like and, or,but, etc.) EXAMPLES Incorrect: She works hard, I think she’ll get a raise. Correct: She works hard, and I think she’ll get a raise. Incorrect: I want to get in shape, I joined the gym. Correct: I want to get in shape, so I joined the gym. Keep comma but add coordinating conjunction.

What is Semicolon? ( ; ) A semicolon is not a comma and is not a period. It is a kind of “in the middle” of the two.

Semicolon We use a semicolon between independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. When we use a semicolon, two clauses are similar or related in some way. - An independent clause means that it can stand alone as a sentence. Example I love Italian food; pizza is my favorite. Kathy travels a lot; she went to five different countries last year No capital letter after a semicolon

Semicolon Here are the basic rules of when to use semicolons in English….

Rule 1 A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences. Examples: Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then. We have paid our dues; we expect all the privileges listed in the contract.

Rule 2 Use a semicolon before such words and terms as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance, etc., when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after these words and terms. Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply.

Rule 3 Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas. Examples: Incorrect: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho, Springfield, California, Alamo, Tennessee, and other places as well. Note that with only commas, that sentence is hopeless. Correct: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho; Springfield, California; Alamo, Tennessee; and other places as well.

Rule 4 A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause. Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I'll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

More information… We usually don’t use two semicolons in a row (like we do with periods). Also, don’t overuse semicolons. They are not as common as periods. Example Kelly works hard; it’s no surprise that she got a raise; she deserves it. Change the second semicolon to a period don’t use two in a row.

More information… Coordinating Conjunctions versus conjunctive adverbs Sometimes people seem frustrated because they have to remember to use commas with coordinating conjunctions and semicolons with conjunctive adverbs. If you can't keep the differences straight in your head, it can help to remember that commas are smaller than semicolons and go with coordinating conjunctions, which are almost always short two-or-three-letter words-small punctuation mark e.g. and, but, nor, or, so, yet, and for. Semicolons are bigger and they go with conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases, which are always longer than three-letters-bigger words, bigger punctuation e.g. indeed, also, again, besides, consequently, finally, furthermore, however, that is, then, thus, therefore, likewise, furthermore, again, besides, consequently, nevertheless, nonetheless, otherwise, and still.

Quiz Time! insert the conjunction! I bought a pizza, it was delicious. I wanted draw, I couldn’t find my pencil. He was angry, he still kept his temper. She disliked her desk, it was ugly. The class was neither interested, excited. My friend was hungry, she bought a sandwich.

Quiz Time! Insert the comma ! While she was running she was carrying scissors. Since it was past their curfew the children were asleep. Although it was dreary outside I still went out. After the party everyone was extremely exhausted. Because of his procrastination he received a bad grade. When it is vacation I’m going to go surfing.

Quiz Time! Insert the semicolon! It was dark I turned on the lamp. My tea was delectable it was chamomile. I lost my coat it was purple. She has 4 cats they are soft. I had a dollar I spent it on a can of soda. My sister has many books she likes to read and annotate them. It was snowing I got sick.

The End!